From a palm tree-laden Insta-snap to broadcasting your beach beverages on Facebook, we’re all guilty of the occasional ‘holiday brag’ on social media.
Nevertheless holidaymakers are being warned to think twice before pressing ‘post’, to avoid jeopardizing their home security and invalidating their insurance.
Earlier this year, Kim Kardashian West was attacked by thieves after posting both pictures of her jewels and her location in Paris, unintentionally revealing this information to the burglars.
Posting that you are on holiday makes it clear that your home is empty, while any previous bragging about expensive purchases advertises what might be in the house. As well as increasing the risk of a burglary, any claims you make on your home insurance after a break-in could be rejected because you didn’t take ‘reasonable care’ to keep your property safe.
Even if your snorkeling selfies are more likely to be seen by your Granny than millions of followers, publically sharing information such as your location online could pose a serious security risk – and could even see your insurer refusing to pay out.
Some insurers will check your social media activity before paying out, and those who check-in their location on Facebook could be denied a payout.
Amanda Bathory, insurance editor at Gocompare.com, says: “Make sure you tighten your security online by setting your privacy to the highest setting – if you really need to post that cheeky beach selfie, make sure only a circle of people you trust can see it.”